Els Goes In Front On The Road

July 21, 2000|By BRAD TOWNSEND Dallas Morning News

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland — It should have been an Ernie Els solo moment. It was late. He was tired, but deservedly exhilarated.

Els had just shot a 6-under 66 on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead through one round of the 129th British Open. He had just birdied one of Earth's most diabolical holes -- the "Road Hole" -- No. 17 on St. Andrews' Old Course. What more can a fellow do?

But less than 30 seconds into Els' post-round news conference, someone did it. They brought up Tiger Woods and last month's U.S. Open.

"Geez, no, not right now, no," Els said. "Guys, that's a little unfair. I just shot 66. Talk about my round or just get on the phone and phone Tiger."

Understand, Els never has shied from talking about Woods or his desire to challenge Woods atop the sport. Even with Woods and Steve Flesch just one shot back at 5 under, Els didn't seem to be getting the respect a two-time U.S. Open champion deserves.

Never mind that Woods, after an admitted ho-hum, bogey-free round, is in excellent position to complete the career Grand Slam on Sunday. Or that Woods is a legendary finisher, evidenced by his 15-shot victory over Els and Miguel Angel Jimenez at Pebble Beach.

"If he [Woods] beats me by 15 from now on, there should be an inquiry," Els said. "I played well today, and that's what I want to do the next three days."

Besides, most of the contenders warned, it is difficult to believe the weather conditions will remain as tranquil as they were Thursday. With temperatures climbing to the mid-70s and the wind barely exceeding 10 mph, 50 of the 156 players broke par.

If or when the wind increases to St. Andrews' usual levels, the Open's complexion will dramatically change.

Otherwise, Nick Faldo's British Open record of 18 under, set at St. Andrews in 1990, could be threatened.

"People could probably break it if you have the right conditions," Woods said. "If it's like this, and they continue to water the fairways and greens, you might have a chance if you're playing well."

And there are a load of good players with a chance. Sergio Garcia and Tom Lehman lead a group at 4 under. Loren Roberts, Jim Furyk and Weston's Dudley Hart sit among 13 others at 3 under.

As it was, Els, who did not tee off until nearly 4 p.m., seemed to have enough concerns as he watched the morning groups on TV.

"You see Tiger at 5 under and you have not even started your round, you know you have your work cut out," Els said.

Woods' early score seemed to put everyone on notice. To many, it seemed reminiscent of his opening 6-under 65 at Pebble Beach. That week, he led by one after the opening round, by six after two rounds, and by 10 through three rounds.

"It's a bit ominous that he is already up there," said Ireland's Padraig Harrington, also at 4 under. "Lucky for us it is only over one round. He can't run away so quickly."

Flesch did not seem upset about being asked a Woods-related question. He seemed glad to be mentioned in the same breath.

"You're accustomed to seeing his name on the leaderboard," Flesch said. "If you're around him, you pretty much know you're playing well because he doesn't play poorly very often."

For most of the day, it appeared Woods would finish atop a major championship leaderboard (along with Flesch) for the fifth consecutive round.

That is, until Els culminated his sparkling round with a 6-iron from 184 yards out on No. 17. His 10-foot putt was one of only four birdies the hole yielded all day.

"I have one shot on that hole now, so hopefully I can keep it there," Els said.

Els also has one shot on Woods, and if he holds on to it come Sunday, maybe he'll be spared the Woods-themed questions. It would give Els a not-so-shabby 2000 major tournament resume of one win and two seconds.

"Tiger has just been that bigger step ahead of us," Els said. "But I think this week, this golf course, is bringing in a lot of other players."